A contractor in the process of removing a diseased tree in Melfort. (File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Melfort Dutch Elm update

Most Dutch Elm trees in Melfort have been removed

Nov 22, 2024 | 11:32 AM

The City of Melfort has some good news on the Dutch Elm disease front.

After over 100 trees in the city were found to have the disease this year, the decision was made to remove the trees as quickly as possible to limit any future spread. There were 53 infected trees on private property in 2024, with 49 on city land.

Director of Community Services Rob Lok told northeastNOW that a lot of progress has been made.

“I believe we’ve wrapped up all of the diseased trees on city property,” said Lok. “The contractor just got done last week.”

Lok said there may be a tree or two on city property that needs to be removed but that should be done in the coming weeks. There were also a number of trees on private property that still needed to be removed.

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

14h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

14h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

14h ago

“About 90 per cent of the diseased trees on private property have been removed. There are still a couple of property owners out there that we’re working with to get wrapped up.”

Lok said he is hopeful all diseased trees in the city will be removed by Christmas.

The disease is spread by elm bark beetles and is caused by a fungus that blocks a tree’s ability to conduct water, leading to the tree’s death. The beetles are attracted to fresh cuts on trees, which is why an elm pruning ban is in place in the province from Apr. 1 to Aug. 31 each year.

The removal of diseased trees is necessary to try to prevent the disease from spreading to unaffected trees in the future.

“We want to make sure we’re prepared as possible for next spring in that there (are) no remnants of the disease here in the spring to the best of our ability,” said Lok.

The city hopes to fill the “bald spots” left from the diseased tree removal in the future, but Lok said right now they are focused on getting rid of diseased trees and the prevention of any Dutch Elm spread.

Lok said if you see sprouting from any Dutch Elm Disease stumps, treat them with Roundup. You can also remove the bark or the stump itself.

“It’s very important that we don’t have sprouting stumps.”

–

Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK